Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology - Online First

Ganoderma lucidum is considered a medicinal mushroom, as it primarily improves gut health by modulating the gut microbiota. As an abundant source of bioactive metabolites, antioxidants, and industrial enzymes, mushrooms make significant contributions to functional foods, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals. Polysaccharides derived from G. lucidum exhibit prebiotic potential, promoting the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms.

This systematic review examines the impact of white rot basidiomycetes metabolites on colorectal cancer treatment. We have compiled and analyzed data from PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, presenting a comprehensive report with a table for clear understanding.

Evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrates that G. lucidum has potential as a gastrointestinal cancer inhibitor by inducing pro-apoptosis, autophagy, G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, and immunomodulation.

Bioactive metabolites and polysaccharides have prebiotic potential, enhancing the growth and activity of beneficial gut microorganisms that may lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers by modifying gut bacteria. The prebiotic properties may boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and strengthen intestinal barrier integrity.

The current review explores the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum and other medicinal mushrooms as dietary supplements, focusing on their impact on the gut microbiome and gastrointestinal cancer.

This study aimed to develop a local drug delivery system using pterostilbene (PTS) flexible nanoliposomes (FNL) to overcome its limitations, such as poor water solubility and instability under light and oxygen. The research focused on optimizing deformability and transdermal delivery using dipotassium glycyrrhizinate and a single-chain surfactant as membrane softeners.

The encapsulation process and formulation of PTS FNL were systematically optimized through single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The physicochemical properties, stability, and transdermal performance of the optimized FNL were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Turbiscan stability analysis, and in vitro/in vivo permeation studies.

The optimized PTS FNL exhibited high encapsulation efficiency (96.49 ± 0.7%), a particle size of (60.11 ± 0.54 nm), PDI (0.237), a zeta potential of (-10.16 ± 0.54 mV), and good stability at 4°C and 25°C for three months. TEM confirmed spherical morphology, while in vitro studies demonstrated superior skin retention and prolonged permeation compared to PTS nanoliposomes (NL) and GTCC solutions. In vivo tests on human volunteers revealed that 0.4% PTS FNL cream significantly improved skin elasticity and chromaticity over 28 days without adverse effects.

The enhanced deformability of PTS FNL contributed to its improved transdermal delivery, making it a promising candidate for cosmetic applications. The study highlights the effectiveness of membrane softeners in optimizing liposomal formulations, though long-term stability under varied conditions warrants further investigation.

The developed PTS FNL system significantly enhances skin permeation and stability, demonstrating great potential for cosmetic use in anti-aging and skin-brightening formulations. This approach provides a viable strategy for improving the delivery of poorly soluble active ingredients.

Breast cancer and depression are both serious diseases that significantly impact women's physical health. The molecular mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain elusive. This study aims to identify key genes and the molecular mechanisms associated with the comorbidity of breast cancer and depression using bioinformatics analysis methods.

Data files for breast cancer and depression were obtained from the TCGA database and the NCBI GEO public database, respectively. The random survival forest algorithm was utilized to identify key genes co-expressed in both breast cancer and depression. Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were employed to predict biological functions and signaling pathway differences influenced by these key genes in both diseases. The R package “RcisTarget” was utilized to predict molecular transcriptional regulatory relationships of the key genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was applied for immune function correlation analysis of comorbid key genes. The differential expression of key genes was validated in breast cancer tissue and depression blood by qPCR.

The TCGA database provided original mRNA expression data for breast cancer, while the NCBI GEO public database offered the dataset GSE58430 related to depression. Through functional enrichment and random survival forest analysis, CCNB1, MLPH, PSME1, and RACGAP1 were identified as four key genes. The specific signaling pathways、strong correlation with immune cells, and the potential molecular mechanisms of these four key genes were analyzed in breast cancer and depression. Their expression levels were verified in blood and tissue samples.

This study discovered the comorbidity genes of breast cancer and depression, providing a certain direction for the prevention and treatment of these two diseases. At present, breast cancer and depression are serious diseases that affect women's physical and mental health. The connection between the two is not very clear. This study proposes that these two diseases have comorbidity genes. The risk population of the disease can be detected early through testing, so as to intervene early and improve prognosis. However, the sample size of the database analyzed in this study was relatively small, and the sample size and methods for clinical validation were insufficient. Further in-depth research will be conducted in the future.

This study identified CCNB1, MLPH, PSME1, and RACGAP1 as key genes associated with the comorbidity of breast cancer and depression.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation, abnormal differentiation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Central to its pathogenesis are the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JNK signaling pathways, which regulate inflammation and keratinocyte behavior.

This study reviewed experimental data reported in the scientific literature and utilized network pharmacology to investigate the interplay between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JNK pathways, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of psoriasis. 709 records from Scopus, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library and PubMed were reviewed without limitations until October 3, 2023. 85 articles were included in the systematic review.

Key molecules, including EGFR, Sortilin, and Cyr61, were identified as important links between these pathways, influencing cell survival and apoptosis. Flavonoids such as Rhododendrin, Erianin, and Fisetin were found to effectively target both of these pathways, potentially modifying cellular behavior and offering therapeutic benefits. The network analysis revealed that EGFR and AKT serve as critical connectors between hub genes CDC42 and GAPDH, with these flavonoids impacting downstream signaling molecules, including PI3K, AKT, mTOR, Grb2, JAK, STAT, Cyclooxygenase, HIF-1α, and MAPKs.

The findings highlight the pivotal role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in promoting inflammation and cellular proliferation by activating NF-κB and HIF-1α.

This comprehensive review underscores the importance of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and JNK pathways in understanding psoriasis mechanisms. Targeting these pathways with flavonoids may offer promising therapeutic strategies by modulating key molecular hubs involved in disease progression.

Healthy aging involves consistently maximizing opportunities to maintain and enhance physical and mental well-being, fostering independence, and sustaining a high quality of life. This review examines recent technological innovations aimed at promoting the well-being of older adults. The scope encompasses wearable devices and telemedicine, showcasing their potential to enhance the health and overall well-being of older individuals. The review highlights the crucial role of assistive technologies, including mobility aids, hearing aids, and adaptive home devices, in addressing the specific challenges associated with aging.

The relevant literature was collected and selected based on the objective of the study and reviewed.

Digital technologies, including brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), are explored as potential solutions to enhance communication between healthcare providers and aging patients, considering engagement levels and active interaction. Sophisticated BCIs, such as electroencephalograms, electrocorticography, and signal modeling for real-time identification, play a crucial role in event detection, with machine learning algorithms enhancing signal processing for accurate decoding. The exploration of smart wearable systems for health monitoring emerges as a dynamic and promising field in the context of aging.

Fitbit® showcases accurate step counting, making it suitable for monitoring physical activity in older adults engaged in slow walking. ActiGraphÔ is evaluated for accuracy in monitoring physical activity in older adults, with results indicating reliable concurrence with Fitbit® devices. The study identifies several limitations, including sample size constraints, challenges in keeping pace with technological advancements, and the need for further investigation into the suitability of fitness trackers for individuals with significant mobility impairments.

The evolving landscape of wearable technologies, exemplified by Fitbit®, ActiGraphÔ, and other interventions, holds substantial promise for reshaping healthcare approaches for the aging population. Addressing the limitations will be crucial as research progresses to ensure the effective and ethical integration of wearables into geriatric care, maximizing their potential benefits.

The rise of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) has become a major public health concern due to its resistance to conventional antibiotics and ability to form biofilms. The urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies has led to increased interest in natural compounds with antimicrobial potential. Pubescine (PBN), a steroidal alkaloid isolated from Holarrhena pubescens, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, but its efficacy against VRE remains unexplored.

PBN was isolated and purified from Holarrhena pubescens using chromatographic techniques and identified through spectroscopic analysis. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined via broth microdilution assays. Time-kill assays assessed the bacteriostatic or bactericidal nature of PBN. Resistance development was evaluated through prolonged bacterial exposure to subinhibitory concentrations. Synergistic interactions with vancomycin and cefoxitin were analyzed using checkerboard microdilution assays. Biofilm formation and eradication were assessed via crystal violet staining and fluorescence imaging. Metabolic activity and oxidative stress induction were measured using the Alamar Blue assay and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) quantification, respectively.

PBN exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of VRE growth, primarily exerting a bacteriostatic effect without promoting the development of resistance. Checkerboard assays revealed strong synergy between PBN and vancomycin (FICI = 0.1875) and cefoxitin (FICI = 0.3125), suggesting that PBN enhances the efficacy of these antibiotics.

PBN significantly reduced biofilm formation and facilitated biofilm disruption at concentrations as low as 4 µg/mL. Metabolic assays demonstrated that PBN suppresses bacterial metabolic activity, while ROS quantification indicated a substantial increase in oxidative stress, suggesting a multi-targeted mechanism of action.

These findings establish PBN as a promising antimicrobial agent with potent activity against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis. Its ability to enhance antibiotic efficacy, inhibit biofilm formation, and induce oxidative stress underscores its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy against multidrug-resistant infections. Further in vivo studies and pharmacokinetic evaluations are warranted to assess its clinical applicability.